Thankful For My Girls!

 

These girls are my everything! I honestly don't know what would do or be without them in my life. They are the first to have made me a mother. Sierra, Lexie, and Chelsea. All five years apart and counting my blessings everyday that they were born with that age gap. In hindsight it was good for my mental health. That five year age gap has been a blessing and continues to be a blessing. I love them all unconditionally and there is nothing in the world that I would do for them. So thankful for all their differences and for who they are. I sure do learn a lot from them and pray that I will always be open minded and supportive in all the decisions they make with their lives. Motherhood is truly the best and I'm so glad that I decided to have four instead of just one kid! 

Thankful For My Sis.

Grateful for sisters who stick together through the thick and thin of life. I'm so thankful for this wonderful sister of mine! I'm glad she was able to take time off from work last month to spend a few days with me. I sure needed to see her and it was so fun to have kept our time together chill and simple without feeling the ne need to go everywhere. Sure there was a moment where we could have gone to the city but she was like, "I've already been to New York." We did go to Philly and she was able to see some the main historical sites such as the Liberty Bell, Rocky steps and statue. She took most of the pictures in Philly and I mainly took pictures of us in Princeton. It's pretty sad that when she visited me last time we never ventured out in my own backyard! LOL! 

For Sierra & Lexie.

"Give them wings to fly. Roots to come home. And reasons to stay." I love that saying. It is something I hope for every time I talk to my older daughters whenever they plan on visiting, or coming home for breaks from school. Hoping that they love coming home no matter what. Having two adult daughters is bittersweet. Bitter because I wish they were closer to home, and sweet because they are away from familiar territory where they are growing, and learning new things all while being challenged with the ways of the world. 

What I'll Miss About South Jersey: Part Four

Heavenly Father puts people on our path for many reasons, and if your lucky you'll meet a few who share the same attributes, likes, dislikes, loves, thoughts, but the most important thing I've learned from each individual while living in south jersey, and attending this specific congregation is having a christlike love in your heart. 

And that's all that matters.

No matter the challenges I faced when it came to my life here those lessons only taught me to become stronger, and to learn from them. They have done nothing but strengthened my testimony in the love I have for the Lord, the belief i have for the gospel, and the love i have for my fellow man. It has increased my compassion towards others in need, helped me to be fearless in sharing my beliefs, and boosted my energy to be able to tolerate any unfortunate negativity that comes my way. The unconditional love I have for my sisters, and brothers in this world is an amazing feeling to have, and I'm so grateful that I was able to humble myself even more throughout my eight years of living here. 

Although my faith was tested many times I have seen miracles happen while living here. God is amazing when it comes to answering prayers, and I know that when we go to Him, and simply "ask" He will provide ways to lead us to unimaginable happiness, and fulfillment. Especially in times of stress! 

My life here amongst the trials we've endured have been blessed over and over again. Thanks to a few of my sisters who have been there for me when the going got rough. But especially for being there when it came to simple, and sincere friend-shipping. 

There are those sisters whom I've know the entire time I've lived here who always thought of our family when it came to concerts, and events happening all over Philly! Thanks Mary!

Mila, whose example of meekness, and benevolence rubbed off on me in many ways! Such a sweet, and beautiful Christ like attribute to have! 

 Rosa, Rosa, Rosa. I love her. Love her sense of fashion, and one thing I learned from her is learning. She is an amazing woman raising three daughters on her own, and the strength she has when it comes to having the desire to learn, and grow more in the gospel is astounding! 

These two sisters are awesome when it comes to endurance. I love how they just have a smile on their face, and come to church to listen, and be taught. Charlene (left) and I had some great visits in my home. 

I love the comments Trish gives during Sunday school, and in our Relief Society lessons. I sure learn a lot from her!

This woman deserves her own post, and I'll do that at a later date, but this woman is amazing when it comes to patience, and unconditional love in her calling as the Young Women President! Love her! 

This is Diane who is as sweet as can be. She is someone who has the desire to learn, and tries really hard to strive for the greater good as we all should. 

These sisters I have known within the past year or so, and they are just beautiful! I love them so much, and hope they know how much I appreciate their friendship! 

All of my sisters in my congregation are amazing, and I will never forget them. We each have stories to tell, and experiences to share. There are so many more I would like to mention on here such as Tweara who is by far the strongest person I know when it comes to hardships. And Wanda who goes with the flow, and has a tender heart underneath her boldness. These sisters are the perfect example of love, and kindness, and I will forever be grateful to Heavenly Father for putting them on my path. 

These are the ties that bind to true friend-shipping, and even though they tell me that I inspired them in many ways, sometimes it's the totally opposite for me. They have enlightened me as well. 

I will miss my dear sisters, and will do my best to see them, but at best we can plan temple dates, and I will write my heart out, and enclose silent hugs via snail mail. 

Love you guys so much!! Stay strong in the gospel, and with the guidance of Heavenly Father, and never ever give up on yourself when times get rough. Remember that you are worthy of God's love no matter what!! Live the gospel, and stay high in your standards no matter how old we get! I promise that if we all do that our cup will runneth over. 

Have a great weekend everyone ! 

SOPHOMORES.

I hardly ever write about my two oldest girls, but since i write to remember, and to pass this on to their posterity I'll only write about the milestones they are reaching.

This fall they will both be sophomores together, but one will be in college, and the other in high school. Yikes! I'm so very proud of their accomplishments, and even their downfalls. Without opposition there would be no growth, and I'm so proud of both my girls for handling what seemed to be a challenging year for them, and  I'm just so dang proud of them for passing yet another trial of faith, and another year of school.  

Alexandra passed with flying colors and is now a sophomore in high school. She endured quite a bit during her freshman year, but in spite of it all managed to keep her GPA above a 3.75. Adjusting to early morning seminary, experiencing high school teachers who curse even worse than her 8th grade teachers, and dealing with typical high school drama can really take a toll on a brand new freshman. Luckily for Lexie she has a knack for getting out of her comfort zone, and enjoys meeting new people. She said if it wasn't for her honors classes, and meeting other kids from other middles schools she would have gone insane! In spite of all the drama and everything she faced she did well in keeping her composure together. She truly is laser focused and I look forward to her looking forward to her sophomore year. I told her it will be a lot better, and the reason I know is because in all honesty...my sophomore year in high school was the best year for me. 

As far as Sierra goes she is phenomenal, and has finally figured out her life. I'm very grateful that even though she took a break from school (darn that waiting a whole freaking year to establish residency so she can attend school in Utah for a lot less), and after doing so has become an even more focused and is an amazing, happy, happy, happy young woman! I attest that to everything that she has endured since her high school graduation. She truly is anchored in the Gospel, and loves, loves the temple. I am so so very happy that she makes time to go since she received her temple recommend because as you know kids today, especially when living in Utah can "forget" what's important because of being busy with work, and school. It's not only in Utah, but everywhere as well. Heck even us adults can forget that the temple is there, but when i lived in Utah I never took those beautiful buildings for granted. I reminded my daughter of the blessings we received when we'd go frequently, and how much I want her to experience those blessings. 

And she has. 

And like her momma has developed a deep appreciation, and love for the temple. 

I know I always say this, and it's probably getting old, but time is fleeting. I'm so grateful that my girls are living with true principles and that they are taking them to heart. They have an open mind, and on their own motive have developed a strong love, and firm testimony of the Lord's plan and gospel. Putting God first in all that they do, because in today's society they really need it. 

We all do. 

No matter what religion we are, what color, race, gender, age we all need some solace. Some foundation of goodness that brings calmness, peace, and happiness into our life. 

One thing for sure is that no matter how old they get I'll never stop giving them advice. Even at the age of twenty I remind my oldest that whenever they go through a rough patch that there are ways to overcome it, and that it's only temporary. That it'll pass, and to be sincere in their prayers as they try to find an answer from God. To never give up, and that they have a choice to give up, or stand strong.

I remind them of the adage, "I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it." 

And they will learn, and know that. 

And as they continue to grow older, they will.

Off To Spend A Week With Her Sister.

How I wish I could pack myself inside Lexie's suitcase so that I can fly out to see Sierra over spring break. We wish we all could! I am so happy that these two are going to have an entire week to spend together including going to the conference center to attend two sessions of General Conference! How lucky are these girls of mine. Very lucky, and although I will miss cracking cascarones on their heads on Easter Sunday that's okay. There's always next year. It's very rare that General Conference falls on Easter Sunday, but nonetheless we will make this day special for Chelsea and Noah regardless of Conference, and their sisters being away. 

These two deserve all the happy moments that come their way, and I know that they will cherish each and every one of them. They have been the best of friends since the day Lexie was born, and I love that they have such a close relationship regardless of their age gap. It amazes me the bond they have, and ever since Sierra left Utah it has only grown stronger. Especially when one goes through dramas of "life" or a major trial. Sisters are there for each other no matter what, to support, and love each other unconditionally, and I can say that these two exhibit that perfect sisterly love. Whether it's through handwritten letters, texting, calling, Instagram, or snap chatting they are always there for each other. One thing I love about their relationship is that they have never once expressed anger towards one another, and if any yelling has occurred it's always been out of goofiness, or happiness. I know that they will have the time of their life in good old Salt Lake City. Lexie hasn't been back to Utah for almost nine years, and it is time for her to go back to familiar territory to visit old friends, visit a temple or two, and just have an adventurous  spring break!  

Happy Easter weekend all!